Federated Farmers says a National Depression rural project will help provide crucial exposure to their sector needs.
Depression.org.nz/rural is a tailoring of the John Kirwan Depression.org website to be more relevant to rural communities.
"The issue of rural depression and suicides has been gaining momentum since we launched our 'When Life's a Bitch' campaign at the beginning of last year, and it is encouraging to see it being addressed at a national Government level," said Federated Farmers mental health spokesperson Jeanette Maxwell.
"In 2010 rural New Zealanders were 43 per cent more likely to commit suicide than urban New Zealanders. In addition to this male suicide rates have been around 67 per cent higher in rural areas compared to men living in urban centres. This is a big problem and we hope this website will break down the walls and reach the farmers who are struggling.
"This website features videos and stories of farmers who have experienced depression and includes 'The Journal', a free online self-help programme designed to support people with depression."
